National Mountaineering Day-2025: 1 August

Why in News ?

• National Mountaineering Day is celebrated every year on 1 August.
• It is a day dedicated to honor the adventurous and exciting sport of mountaineering and to recognize the amazing courage, patience and dedication of mountaineers.
• The purpose of this day is to increase awareness about mountaineering among the people and promote adventure tourism

Importance of Mountaineering:

• Mountaineering is a sign of physical ability as well as mental strength and courage.
• It connects a person with the unique beauty and biodiversity of mountain areas.
• Local economy and livelihood opportunities are boosted through mountain tourism.
• It is a complete physical exercise that develops stamina, strength and balance.

Status of Mountaineering in India:

• Mountaineering is a popular adventure activity in India. Mountain ranges like Himalaya, Satpura, Vindhyachal, and Western Ghats are a paradise for mountaineers. The Government of India has established many institutions and schemes to promote mountaineering:

Major institutions:

• Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling
• Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM), Pahalgam
• AITUC (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports), Manali

Famous mountaineers of India:

• Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay – became the first people to conquer Mount Everest in the year 1953
• Bachendri Pal – first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest (year 1984)
• Arunima Sinha – first woman to conquer Mount Everest with a prosthetic limb